Worship seminar covers music, drama

Edmonton

Representing many denominations, 243 participants from B.C. to Manitoba heard keynote speaker Sally Morganthaler challenge the church to witness through worship.

Morganthaler, of Littleton, Colo., is the author of "Worship Evangelism--Inviting Unbelievers Into the Presence of God". She pointed out the primary purpose of the church, and individual believers, is to be a God-praising people. In her presentations, Morganthaler maintained that Scripture does not define any set method or form for worship; neither traditional nor contemporary styles are Scripture-based. The Bible does describe the function of worship, however. It is not negotiable. Worship must focus on who God is and what He has done, be Christ-centred, and provide specific opportunities for people to respond to God, said Morganthaler. As the gospel is celebrated and God's presence is felt during worship, unbelievers will be drawn to Him. Canadians are spiritually hungry people and will come to a gathering where they feel connected with God. People come to Christ through public worship.

Morganthaler encouraged those who select worship music to reject songs with confused theology, a rambling flow of consciousness, and those that are difficult to sing. Songs that are boring, as well as those with obscure language strange to the unchurched, should be avoided.

A well-crafted song is personal, attractive (people want to sing it again), will work in a variety of styles, and expresses both doctrine and devotion. It is possible to choose music that attracts both seekers and saints, she said. We need a balance between songs that proclaim the attributes of God and songs that express our emotions toward Him.

The response to Morganthaler was summed up by a worship leader from Cochrane, Alta.: "The seminar was relevant to many current needs. It doesn't get much better than this at a conference, unless more of our church people could have been here".

Another aspect of the seminar focussed on how to use drama effectively in worship services. Steve Pedersen, drama director at Willow Creek Community Church in Barrington, Illinois, described how to build a strong drama ministry. Drama touches people on an emotional level and can create a high degree of audience identification with a topic. As it captures attention with its head and heart appeal, drama helps people drop their defenses. Drama draws people into worship. It can also be used to raise relevant questions, setting the stage for the sermon.

Other presenters at the seminar were Jane Martens, worship leader at The Meeting Place in Winnipeg, and Wes Caswell, minister of music at St. Albert, (Alta.) Alliance Church.

Martens led worship for the weekend. The Friday evening service, a highlight of the seminar, included testimonies and prayer. Steve Schulz, a Columbia Bible College student from Abbotsford, B.C., said he came because he is involved in Christian drama (and got a lot out of the workshops), but "The Friday worship service made the biggest impact. I haven't been to a worship service like that in a long time, maybe ever. I felt overwhelmed. I had to do some major soul-searching. The power of God was there. It was an intense spiritual experience."

Participants were given practical insight and ideas on how worship-style changes in a church can be a unifying, empowering experience when approached correctly.

Ron Toews, pastor of Dalhousie Community MB Church in Calgary, commented, "This conference will change our church's worship. Nine people from Dalhousie came to learn and evaluate together. With her challenging seminars, Sally Morganthaler pushed us to rethink worship that is lifechanging."

Kathryn Wiens